Monday, April 30, 2012

Great news, Disney released a new more detailed timeline for the new Fantasyland expansion! Now all the guessing and wondering can go away, and let the excitement begin!

Disney released in a media event Friday April 27, that the next stage of the Fastasyland will open in July!  This gives more room and a few more attractions for all of the summer crowds. This section will include the 2nd stage of the Storybook Circus. Both sides of the Dueling Dumbo's will be open, as well as its interactive queue. Casey's Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station will give the summer guests a great area for the little ones to cool down. These will be a great addition to the already operating side of Storybook Circus, which includes one side of the Dumbo and Great Goofini roller coaster which opened at the beginning of last month.

The largest part of the Fantasyland addition will open by the holiday season of 2012. This could be looked at 2 ways, 1. Around the start of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (which is the official start of Disney's "Holiday" season or 2. Near Thanksgiving at the start of the Christmas decorations.

This Second phases will include the Be Our Guest Restaurant, which is inside Beast's Castle. This will be a new dining concept from Disney featuring counter service during the day and an interactive table service dining at night. It is still unknown if it will be 1 TS credit or 2 TS credit, similar to Cinderella's Royal Table. Either way I am sure it will be a hit and very hard to get reservations.

Also opening in the second phase will be Gaston's Tavern, unlike it's name it will not serve alcohol. But maybe Disney will find a substitute similar to "Butter Beer" at the other park that shall not be named. Belle will find a new home in her "Cottage" for an interactive Storytime with Belle, Ariel's Grotto where Ariel and Prince Eric will meet with guests.

One of the Most anticipated ride will also open, Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid. This ride was one of the first buildings built to start the Fantasyland addition. It has already opened at Disney's California Adventure, and guests are loving it. It is rumored that this ride will be set up on the FastPass system.

With all of these area's open it will seem to still be under construction with The Seven Dwarf Mine Coaster. This will open sometime in 2014. Although I doubt it will take over 2 years to build this coaster, track has already been going up and rock formation being poured. But we shall see and hope.

The night time show show that has become a huge fan favorite, Magic Memories and You, will add new scenes and characters staring May 29, 2012. Phineas and Ferb fans will be extra excited with the addition as well as a large sandcastle projection over Cinderella's Castle. Other additions include, The Little Mermaid  and Lion King themes and music. Sounds like a awesome feast of the eyes.

In late June you will see the phase out of "Kim Possible" and the change of character to "Agent P" for the showcase adventure. The came will still concentrate on the same pavilions but will feature new special effects. The new scene for this interactive adventure set at Epcot will be based on the series of "Phineas and Ferb". They will be going on a trip around the world. Agent P will be the main character as you follow him through his secret agent job.

Another hot topic is Test Track at Epcot going under the refurbishment knife. With wide spread rumors all over wondering when Test Track would be closing or re-opening, this has become a huge to-do. Disney has came out this week and has said that Test Track will be re-opened by the Fall. Splitville, a large bowling alley taking up shop in the old Virgin Record Store in Downtown Disney, also has an opening date as early Fall.

Star War Fans rejoice it was announced that on May 10, 2012 the Droid Factory at Tattooine Traders at Hollywood Studios. Just in time for Star Wars weekend, this build your own Astromech Droid activity will include 3 inch figures that fit into other playsets. It will be a huge hit!

With all this exciting news, is will be so much fun planning your next Disney vacation!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Merida the new Scottish Disney Star from the movie Brave will be starting a new meet and greet experience coming in May. Merida will be taking up a home in the fairy tale garden next to Cinderella's Castle and across from Cosmic Ray's Star Light Lounge. This was the previous locations for favorites like Rapunzel and story time with Belle. It will be transformed to look like her Scottish castle from the movie. She will start out meeting with her 3 puppet bear brothers, but I don't expect it to last much longer than the summer months. As with Rapunzel, who first started out meeting with Flynn Rider and provided kids with a magical playtime which later got the axe because it was taking up to much time.

Rapunzel is now in her new location at the Town Square Tour Guide Gardens which started on April 15, 2012. She meets from 9:20am until 7:30pm daily. She does not come out for EMH. (Extra Magic Hours). This location is temporary. She will be finding her new home across from Peter Pan's Ride in Fantasyland next to the new bathroom area. I am personally hoping she brings Flynn Rider with her. Flynn Rider now only meets during MNSSHP (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party).

Your best bet to meet both characters is to line up early or I have heard good stories about lining up before lunch hours. Eat early or grab a snack and take advantage of a shorter line. Although during busier times Rapunzel's meet and greet could possibly take a minimum of a hour to a max of 3-4 hours! So line up early.


I am hoping Merida will be meeting during our May trip. If she is I will post pics as soon as possible. Hoping to get some new pics of Rapunzel's temporary meet and greet as well.
Alright a fresh start with a new blog! This blog will be dedicated to Disney. I am a Disney SuperFan! Love it and always will! I just started a great new job with Mickey's Dream Vacations. I can not wait to help people plan their dream vacations. I will be updating regularly with Disney Fantasyland expansion with pictures, new travel specials, Disney news and rumors, and Opening of Art of Animation Resort. Thanks for Reading!